U.S. patent application number 12/587546 was filed with the patent office on 2010-02-04 for spring load seal assembly and well drilling equipment comprising same.
Invention is credited to John R. Williams, Theresa J. Williams.
Application Number | 20100025117 12/587546 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40387628 |
Filed Date | 2010-02-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100025117 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Williams; John R. ; et
al. |
February 4, 2010 |
Spring load seal assembly and well drilling equipment comprising
same
Abstract
A top drive apparatus for a well drilling head comprises a top
drive structure, a seal body and a plurality of resilient members.
The top drive structure is configured for being fixedly attached to
an upper end portion of a bearing assembly and having a
seal-carrying portion. The seal body has a mounting portion and a
wiper portion extending from the mounting portion. The mounting
portion is slideably disposed within a groove of the seal-carrying
portion of the top drive structure. The plurality of resilient
members are disposed within the groove between the mounting portion
of the seal body and the top drive structure such that the entire
seal body is resiliently displaceable with respect to the top drive
structure.
Inventors: |
Williams; John R.;
(Georgetown, TX) ; Williams; Theresa J.;
(Georgetown, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVID ODELL SIMMONS
7637 PARKVIEW CIRCLE
AUSTIN
TX
78731
US
|
Family ID: |
40387628 |
Appl. No.: |
12/587546 |
Filed: |
October 8, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12069130 |
Feb 7, 2008 |
7635034 |
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12587546 |
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60966280 |
Aug 27, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
175/195 ;
277/324; 384/130 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 33/085
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
175/195 ;
277/324; 384/130 |
International
Class: |
E21B 3/02 20060101
E21B003/02; E21B 3/04 20060101 E21B003/04; E21B 33/06 20060101
E21B033/06; F16C 33/74 20060101 F16C033/74 |
Claims
1. A top drive apparatus for a rotating control device, comprising:
a seal carrying structure having a groove within a surface thereof;
a seal body having a mounting portion and a wiper portion extending
from the mounting portion, wherein the mounting portion is
slideably disposed within the groove of the seal-carrying
structure; a plurality of resilient members within the groove
between the mounting portion of the seal body and the seal carrying
structure, wherein said resilient members biasing the seal body
toward an at-rest position; a plurality of fasteners extending
through the mounting portion of the seal body and into engagement
with the seal carrying structure in a manner whereby the seal body
is able to slide along a length of each one of said fasteners; and
a sealing device provided between at least one side face of the
groove and the mounting portion of the seal body for providing a
sealing interface therebetween.
2. The top drive apparatus of claim 1 wherein a stiffness
characteristic of the seal body is such that application of force
on the wiper portion thereof results in negligible deformation of
the wiper portion and displacement of the entire seal body with
respect to the groove.
3. The top drive apparatus of claim 1 wherein each one of said
resilient members is disposed between a floor of the groove and the
mounting portion of the seal body.
4. The top drive apparatus of claim 1 wherein each one of said
resilient members has one of said fasteners extending
therethrough.
5. The top drive apparatus of claim 4 wherein each one of said
resilient members is disposed between a floor of the groove and the
mounting portion of the seal body.
6. The top drive apparatus of claim 5 wherein a stiffness
characteristic of the seal body is such that application of force
on the wiper portion thereof results in negligible deformation of
the wiper portion and displacement of the entire seal body with
respect to the groove.
7. The top drive apparatus of claim 1 wherein: each one of said
resilient members is a helically-wound compression spring; and each
one of said resilient members is disposed between a floor of the
groove and the mounting portion of the seal body in a partially
compressed state.
8. The top drive apparatus of claim 7 wherein each one of said
resilient members has one of said fasteners extending
therethrough.
9. The top drive apparatus of claim 8 wherein a stiffness
characteristic of the seal body is such that application of force
on the wiper portion thereof results in negligible deformation of
the wiper portion and displacement of the entire seal body with
respect to the groove.
10. A bearing assembly for a rotating control device, comprising:
an outer barrel configured for being removably seated within a
central bore of a rotating control device housing; an inner barrel
rotatably disposed within a central bore of the outer barrel; a top
cover fixedly attached to an upper end portion of the outer barrel;
a seal carrying structure fixedly attached to an upper end portion
of the inner barrel, wherein a seal-carrying portion of the seal
carrying structure overhangs a seal-engaging portion of the top
cover; a seal assembly disposed between the top cover and the seal
carrying structure, wherein a seal body of the seal assembly is
coupled to the seal-carrying portion of the seal carrying structure
through a plurality of springs such that the entire seal body is
resiliently displaceable with respect to the seal carrying
structure, wherein the springs bias the seal body toward the top
cover such that a wiper portion of the seal body is engaged with
the seal-engaging portion of the top cover, wherein each one of
said springs is disposed between the seal carrying structure and
seal body; a sealing device provided between the seal carrying
structure and the seal body for providing a sealing interface
therebetween; and a plurality of fasteners extending through the
seal body and into engagement with the seal carrying structure in a
manner whereby the seal body is able to slide along a length of
each one of said fasteners.
11. The bearing assembly of claim 10 wherein a stiffness
characteristic of the seal body is such that application of force
on the wiper portion thereof results in negligible deformation of
the wiper portion and displacement of the entire seal body with
respect to the seal carrying structure.
12. The bearing assembly of claim 11 wherein each one of said
springs is disposed between a floor of a groove within the seal
carrying structure and the seal body.
13. The bearing assembly of claim 12 wherein each one of said
springs resilient members has one of said fasteners extending
therethrough.
14. The bearing assembly of claim 10 wherein each one of said
springs resilient members has one of said fasteners extending
therethrough.
15. A rotating control device configured for receiving a downhole
drillstring during drilling of a well, comprising: a rotating
control device housing having a sidewall structure defining a
central bore; a bearing assembly removably seated within the
central bore of the rotating control device housing, wherein the
bearing assembly includes an outer barrel, an inner barrel
rotatably disposed within a central bore of the outer barrel, a top
cover fixedly attached to an upper end portion of the outer barrel
and a seal carrying structure fixedly attached to an upper end
portion of the inner barrel, wherein a seal-carrying portion of the
seal carrying structure overhangs a seal-engaging portion of the
top cover; a seal assembly disposed between the top cover and the
seal carrying structure, wherein a seal body of the seal assembly
is coupled to the seal-carrying portion of the seal carrying
structure through a plurality of springs such that the entire seal
body is resiliently displaceable with respect to the seal carrying
structure, wherein the springs bias the seal body toward the top
cover such that a wiper portion of the seal body is engaged with
the seal-engaging portion of the top cover, wherein each one of
said springs is disposed between the seal carrying structure and
seal body; a sealing device provided between the seal carrying
structure and the seal body for providing a sealing interface
therebetween; and a plurality of fasteners extending through the
seal body and into engagement with the seal carrying structure in a
manner whereby the seal body is able to slide along a length of
each one of said fasteners.
16. The rotating control device of claim 15 wherein a stiffness
characteristic of the seal body is such that application of force
on the wiper portion thereof results in negligible deformation of
the wiper portion and displacement of the entire seal body with
respect to the seal carrying structure.
17. The rotating control device of claim 16 wherein each one of
said springs is disposed between a floor of a groove within the
seal carrying structure and the seal body.
18. The rotating control device of claim 17 wherein each one of
said springs resilient members has one of said fasteners extending
therethrough. The bearing assembly of claim 10 wherein each one of
said springs resilient members has one of said fasteners extending
therethrough
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent continuation patent application claims priority
from co-pending U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.
12/069,130, filed Feb. 7, 2008 entitled "Spring Load Seal Assembly
And Well Drilling Equipment Comprising Same", which claims priority
from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/966,280 filed
Aug. 27, 2007 entitled "Rotation control head, rotating blowout
preventor and the like", both application having a common applicant
herewith and being incorporated herein in their entirety by
reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The disclosures made herein relate generally to equipment,
systems and apparatuses relating to drilling of wells and, more
particularly, to rotating control heads, rotating blowout
preventors, and the like.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Oil, gas, water, geothermal wells and the like are typically
drilled with a drill bit connected to a hollow drill string which
is inserted into a well casing cemented in a well bore. A drilling
head is attached to the well casing, wellhead or to associated
blowout preventor equipment, for the purposes of sealing the
interior of the well bore from the surface and facilitating forced
circulation of drilling fluid through the well while drilling or
diverting drilling fluids away from the well. Drilling fluids
include, but are not limited to, water, steam, drilling muds, air,
and other fluids (i.e., liquids, gases, etc).
[0004] In the forward circulation drilling technique, drilling
fluid is pumped downwardly through the bore of the hollow drill
string, out the bottom of the hollow drill string and then upwardly
through the annulus defined by the drill string and the interior of
the well casing, or well bore, and subsequently out through a side
outlet above the well head. In reverse circulation, a pump impels
drilling fluid through a port, down the annulus between the drill
string and the well casing, or well bore, and then upwardly through
the bore of the hollow drill string and out of the well.
[0005] Drilling heads typically include a stationary body, often
referred to as a bowl, which carries a rotatable spindle, which is
commonly referred to as a bearing assembly, rotated by a kelly
apparatus or top drive unit. One or more seals or packing elements,
often referred to as stripper packers or stripper rubber
assemblies, is carried by the spindle to seal the periphery of the
kelly or the drive tube or sections of the drill pipe, whichever
may be passing through the spindle and the stripper rubber
assembly, and thus confine or divert the core pressure in the well
to prevent the drilling fluid from escaping between the rotating
spindle and the drilling string.
[0006] As modern wells are drilled ever deeper, or into certain
geological formations, very high temperatures and pressures may be
encountered at the drilling head. These rigorous drilling
conditions pose increased risks to rig personnel from accidental
scalding, burns or contamination by steam, hot water and hot,
caustic well fluids. There is a danger of serious injury to rig
workers when heavy tools are used to connect a stripper rubber
assembly to the drilling head. Accordingly, such a connection
should be made quickly and achieve a fluid tight seal.
[0007] Rotation of respective rotating components of a rotating
control head, rotating blowout preventor or other type of rotating
control device is facilitated through a bearing assembly through
which the drill string rotates relative to the stationary bowl or
housing in which the bearing assembly is seated. Rotating control
heads, rotating blowout preventors and other types of rotating
control devices are generally referred to herein as well drilling
heads. Typically, a rubber O-ring seal, or similar seal, is
disposed between the stripper rubber assembly and the bearing
assembly to improve the fluid-tight connection between the stripper
rubber assembly and the bearing assembly. Pressure control is
achieved by means of one or more stripper rubber assemblies
connected to the bearing assembly and compressively engaged around
the drill string. At least one stripper rubber assembly rotates
with the drill string. A body of a stripper rubber assembly (i.e.,
a stripper rubber body) typically taper downward and include rubber
or other resilient substrate so that the downhole pressure pushes
up on the stripper rubber body, pressing the stripper rubber body
against the drill string to achieve a fluid-tight seal. Stripper
rubber assemblies often further include a metal insert that provide
support for bolts or other attachment means and which also provide
a support structure to minimize deformation of the rubber cause by
down hole pressure forces acting on the stripper rubber body.
[0008] Stripper rubber assemblies are connected or adapted to
equipment of the drilling head to establish and maintain a pressure
control seal around the drill string (i.e., a down hole tubular).
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of
means are used to attach a stripper rubber assembly to associated
drilling head equipment. Such attachment means include bolting from
the top, bolting from the bottom, screwing the stripper rubber
assembly directly onto the equipment via cooperating threaded
portions on the top of the stripper rubber assembly and the bottom
of the equipment, clamps and other approaches.
[0009] It will be understood that, depending on the particular
equipment being used at a drilling head, a stripper rubber assembly
at one well may be connected to equipment specific to that well
while at another well a stripper rubber assembly is connected to
different equipment. For example, at one well the stripper rubber
assembly may be connected to the bearing assembly while at another
well the stripper rubber assembly may be connected to an inner
barrel or an accessory of the drilling head. Thus, the stripper
rubber assembly is not unnecessarily limited to being connected to
a particular component of a rotating control head, rotating blowout
preventor or the like.
[0010] It is common practice to tighten the bolts or screws of the
connection with heavy wrenches and sledge hammers. The practice of
using heavy tools to tighten a bolt, for example, can result in
over-tightening, to the point where the threads or the bolt head
become stripped. The results of over-tightening include stripped
heads, where the bolt or screw cannot be removed, or stripped
threads, where the bolt or screw has no grip and the connection
fails. Both results are undesirable. Even worse, vibration and
other drilling stresses can cause bolts or screws to work
themselves loose and fall out. If one or more falls downhole, the
result can be catastrophic. The drill bit can be ruined. The entire
drillstring may have to tripped out, and substantial portions
replaced, including the drill bit. If the well bore has been cased,
the casing may be damaged and have to be repaired.
[0011] Drilling head assemblies periodically need to be
disassembled to replace stripper rubber assemblies or other parts,
lubricate moving elements and perform other recommended
maintenance. In some circumstances, stripped or over tightened
bolts or screws make it very difficult if not impossible to
disengage the stripper rubber assembly from the drilling head
assembly to perform recommended maintenance or parts
replacement.
[0012] One prior art rotating control head configuration that is
widely used rotating control heads in the oil field industry is the
subject of U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,181 to John R. Williams (i.e., the
Williams '181 patent). The Williams '181 patent relates to drilling
heads and blowout preventors for oil and gas wells and more
particularly, to a rotating blowout preventor mounted on the
wellhead or on primary blowout preventors bolted to the wellhead,
to pressure-seal the interior of the well casing and permit forced
circulation of drilling fluid through the well during drilling
operations. The rotating blowout preventor of the Williams '181
patent includes a housing which is designed to receive a blowout
preventor bearing assembly and a hydraulic cylinder-operated clamp
mechanism for removably securing the bearing assembly in the
housing and providing ready access to the components of the bearing
assembly and dual stripper rubber assemblies provided in the
bearing assembly. A conventional drilling string is inserted or
"stabbed" through the blowout preventor bearing assembly, including
the two base stripper rubber assemblies rotatably mounted in the
blowout preventor bearing assembly, to seal the drilling string.
The device is designed such that chilled water and/or antifreeze
may be circulated through a top pressure seal packing box in the
blowout preventor bearing assembly and lubricant is introduced into
the top pressure seal packing box for lubricating top and bottom
pressure seals, as well as stacked radial and thrust bearings.
[0013] Primary features of the rotating blowout preventor of the
Williams '181 patent include the circulation of chilled water
and/or antifreeze into the top seal packing box and using a
hydraulically-operated clamp to secure the blowout preventor
bearing assembly in the stationary housing, to both cool the
pressure seals and provide access to the spaced rotating stripper
rubber assemblies and internal bearing assembly components,
respectively. The clamp can be utilized to facilitate rapid
assembly and disassembly of the rotating blowout preventor. Another
primary feature is mounting of the dual stripper rubber assemblies
in the blowout preventor bearing assembly on the fixed housing to
facilitate superior sealing of the stripper rubber assemblies on
the kelly or drilling string during drilling or other well
operations. Still another important feature is lubrication of the
respective seals and bearings and offsetting well pressure on key
shaft pressure seals by introducing the lubricant under pressure
into the bearing assembly top pressure seal packing box.
[0014] Objects of a rotating blowout preventor in accordance with
the Williams '181 patent include a blowout preventor bearing
assembly seated on a housing gasket in a fixed housing, a
hydraulically-operated clamp mechanism mounted on the fixed housing
and engaging the bearing assembly in mounted configuration, which
housing is attached to the well casing, wellhead or primary blowout
preventor, a vertical inner barrel rotatably mounted in the bearing
assembly and receiving a pair of pressure-sealing stripper rubber
assemblies and cooling fluid and lubricating inlet ports
communicating with top pressure seals for circulating chilled water
and/or antifreeze through the top seals and forcing lubricant into
stacked shaft bearings and seals to exert internal pressure on the
seals and especially, the lower seals.
[0015] Specific drawbacks of prior art rotating control head,
rotating blowout preventor and/or the like (including a rotating
blowout preventor/or rotating control head in accordance with the
Williams '181 patent) include, but are not limited to, a.) relying
on or using curved clamp segments that at least partially and
jointly encircle the housing and bearing assembly; b.) relying on
or using clamp segments that are pivotably attached to each other
for allowing engagement with and disengagement from the bearing
assembly; c.) relying on or using hydraulic clamp(s); d.) relying
on or using a mechanical bolt-type connection to back-up a
hydraulic clamp for insuring safe operation; e.) poor sealing from
environmental contamination at various interface; f.) cumbersome
and ineffective stripper rubber assembly attachment; g.) lack or
inadequate cooling at key heat sensitive locations of the inner
barrel and/or bowl; h.) lack of real-time and/or remotely monitored
data acquisition functionality (e.g., via wireless/satellite
uploading of data); i.) static (e.g., non-self adjusting) barrel
assembly bearing preloading; and j.) cumbersome/ineffective
lubrication distribution and cooling.
[0016] Therefore, a rotating control head, rotating blowout
preventor and/or the like that overcomes abovementioned and other
known and yet to be discovered drawbacks associated with prior art
oil field drilling equipment (e.g., rotating control head, rotating
blowout preventor and/or the like) would be advantageous, desirable
and useful.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0017] Embodiments of the present invention overcome one or more
drawback of prior art rotating control head, rotating blowout
preventor and/or the like. Examples of such drawbacks include, but
are not limited to, a.) relying on or using curved clamp segments
that at least partially and jointly encircle the housing and
bearing assembly; b.) relying on or using clamp segments that are
pivotably attached to each other for allowing engagement with and
disengagement from the bearing assembly; c.) relying on or using
hydraulic clamp(s); d.) relying on or using a mechanical bolt-type
connection to back-up a hydraulic clamp for insuring safe
operation; e.) poor sealing from environmental contamination at
various interface; f.) cumbersome and ineffective stripper rubber
assembly attachment; g.) lack or inadequate cooling at key heat
sensitive locations of the inner barrel and/or bowl; h.) lack of
real-time and/or remotely monitored data acquisition functionality
(e.g., via wireless/satellite uploading of data); i.) static (e.g.,
non-self adjusting) barrel assembly bearing preloading; and j.)
cumbersome/ineffective lubrication distribution and cooling. In
this manner, embodiments of the present invention provide an
advantageous, desirable and useful implementation of one or more
aspects of a rotating control head, blowout preventor or other type
of oil field equipment.
[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, a top drive
apparatus for a well drilling head comprises a top drive structure,
a seal body and a plurality of resilient members. The top drive
structure is configured for being fixedly attached to an upper end
portion of a bearing assembly and having a seal-carrying portion.
The seal body has a mounting portion and a wiper portion extending
from the mounting portion. The mounting portion is slideably
disposed within a groove of the seal-carrying portion of the top
drive structure. The plurality of resilient members are disposed
within the groove between the mounting portion of the seal body and
the top drive structure such that the entire seal body is
resiliently displaceable with respect to the top drive
structure.
[0019] In another embodiment of the present invention, a seal
apparatus for a well drilling head comprises a bearing assembly and
a seal assembly. The bearing assembly includes an outer barrel, an
inner barrel rotatably disposed within a central bore of the outer
barrel, a top cover fixedly attached to an upper end portion of the
outer barrel and a top drive structure fixedly attached to an upper
end portion of the inner barrel. A seal-carrying portion of the top
drive structure overhangs a seal-engaging portion of the top cover.
The seal assembly is disposed between the top cover and the top
drive structure. A seal body of the seal assembly is coupled to the
seal-carrying portion of the top drive structure through a
plurality of springs such that the entire seal body is resiliently
displaceable with respect to the top drive structure. The springs
bias the seal body toward the top cover such that the a wiper
portion
[0020] In another embodiment of the present invention, a well
drilling head comprises a well drilling head housing, a bearing
assembly and a seal assembly. The well drilling head housing has a
sidewall structure defining a central bore. The bearing assembly is
removably seated within the central bore of the well drilling head
housing. The bearing assembly includes an outer barrel, an inner
barrel rotatably disposed within a central bore of the outer
barrel, a top cover fixedly attached to an upper end portion of the
outer barrel and a top drive structure fixedly attached to an upper
end portion of the inner barrel. A seal-carrying portion of the top
drive structure overhangs a seal-engaging portion of the top cover.
The seal assembly is disposed between the top cover and the top
drive structure. A seal body of the seal assembly is coupled to the
seal-carrying portion of the top drive structure through a
plurality of springs such that the entire seal body is resiliently
displaceable with respect to the top drive structure. The springs
bias the seal body toward the top cover such that the a wiper
portion of the seal body is engaged with the seal-engaging portion
of the top cover.
[0021] These and other objects, embodiments, advantages and/or
distinctions of the present invention will become readily apparent
upon further review of the following specification, associated
drawings and appended claims. Furthermore, it should be understood
that the inventive aspects of the present invention can be applied
to rotating control heads, rotating blowout preventors and the
like. Thus, in relation to describing configuration and
implementation of specific aspects of the present invention, the
terms rotating control head and rotating blowout preventors can be
used interchangeable as both are oil well drilling equipment that
provides functionality that will benefit from the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotating control head in
accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the rotating control head includes a ram-style bearing
assembly retaining apparatus in accordance with the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2-2 in
FIG. 1, showing the ram-style bearing assembly retaining apparatus
engaged with the bearing assembly.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in
FIG. 1, showing the ram-style bearing assembly retaining apparatus
disengaged and the bearing assembly in a removed position with
respect to a bowl of the rotating control head.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a rotating control head in
accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the rotating control head includes a ram-style bearing
assembly retaining apparatus in accordance with the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 5-5 in
FIG. 4, showing the ram-style bearing assembly retaining apparatus
engaged with the bearing assembly.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bearing assembly of the
rotating control head of FIG. 5.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 7-7 in
FIG. 6, showing a seal lubrication arrangement of the bearing
assembly.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 in
FIG. 6, showing a bearing lubrication arrangement of the bearing
assembly.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a detail view taken from FIG. 8 showing specific
aspects of a spring-loaded seal unit in relation to a cover plate
and a top drive.
[0031] FIG. 10 is a partially exploded view showing the
spring-loaded seal detached from the top drive.
[0032] FIG. 11 is a flow chart view showing a rotating control head
system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
which includes a forced-flow seal lubrication apparatus and a
forced-flow bearing lubrication apparatus.
[0033] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a rotating control head in
accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention,
wherein the rotating control head is a high pressure rotating
control head with a ram style bearing assembly retaining
apparatus.
[0034] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 13-13
in FIG. 12.
[0035] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of an
upper stripper rubber apparatus using a bayonet style
interconnection between the canister body thereof and canister body
lid thereof.
[0036] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 15-15
in FIG. 14.
[0037] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the upper
stripper rubber apparatus shown in FIG. 14.
[0038] FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic view of a data acquisition
apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0039] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a kelly driver in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0040] FIGS. 1-3 show various aspects of a rotating control head 1
in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The
rotating control head 1 is commonly referred to as a low pressure
rotating control head. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, it can be seen
that an underlying distinction between a ram-style retaining
apparatus in accordance with the present invention and prior art
bearing assembly retaining apparatuses is that the ram-style
retaining apparatus utilizes a plurality of angularly spaced apart
ram assemblies 10 to retain a bearing assembly 12 in a fixed
position with respect to an equipment housing 14 (i.e., commonly
referred to in the art as a bowl). An inner barrel 15 of the
bearing assembly 12 is configured for having a stripper rubber
assembly attached to an end portion thereof. As shown, two ram
assemblies angularly spaced by approximately 180-degrees are
provided for retain the bearing assembly 12 in the fixed position
with respect to the equipment housing 14. However, a ram-style
retaining apparatus in accordance with the present invention is not
limited to two ram assemblies. Clearly, a ram-style retaining
apparatus in accordance with the present invention having more than
two ram assemblies or, conceivably, only one ram assembly can be
implemented.
[0041] Each ram assembly 10 is fixedly mounted on a respective
receiver 16 of the equipment housing 14 and, as shown in FIGS. 2
and 3, includes a ram 18 slideably disposed within a bore 20 of the
respective receiver 16. Each ram assembly 10 includes a selective
displacement means 22 coupled between a mounting plate 23 of the
ram assembly 10 and the ram 18. The mounting plate 23 is fixedly
attached to the respective receiver 16. Operation of the selective
displacement means 22 allows a position of the ram 18 within the
bore 20 to be selectively varied. In this manner, the selective
displacement means 22 allows the ram 18 to be selectively moved
between an engagement position E (FIG. 2) and a disengagement
position D (FIG. 3).
[0042] As illustrated, each selective displacement means 22
includes a hand-operated crank 24, drive axle 26 and interlock
member 28. The drive axle 26 is rotatable mounted on the respective
mounting plate 23 in a manner that effectively precludes
longitudinal displacement of the drive axle 26 with respect to the
mounting plate 23. The hand-operated crank 24 is fixedly attached
to a first end 26a of the drive axle 26 such that rotation of the
crank 24 causes rotation of the drive axle 26. A second end 26b of
the drive axle 26 is in threaded engagement with the interlock
member 28. The interlock member 28 is retained within a central
bore 30 of the ram 18 in a manner that limits, if not precludes,
its rotation and translation with respect to the ram 18.
Accordingly, rotation of the drive axle 26 causes a corresponding
translation of the ram 18, thereby allowing selective translation
of the ram 18 between the engagement position E and a disengagement
position D.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, the equipment housing 14 includes a
central bore 32 that is configured for receiving the bearing
assembly 12. An outer barrel 33 of the bearing assembly 12 includes
a circumferential recess 34 that defines an angled ram engagement
face 36. Each ram 18 includes an angled barrel engagement face 38.
An inside face 40 of the equipment housing central bore 32 and an
outer face 42 of the outer barrel 33 are respectively tapered
(e.g., a 2-degree taper) for providing a tapered interface between
the outer barrel 33 and the equipment housing 14 when the bearing
assembly 12 is seated in the equipment housing central bore 32. A
plurality of seal-receiving grooves 44 are provided in the outer
face 42 of the outer barrel 33 for allowing seals (e.g., O-ring
seals) to provide a respective fluid-resistant seal between the
outer barrel 33 and the equipment housing 14. In one embodiment,
the tapered inside face 40 of the equipment housing central bore 32
is carried by a replaceable wear sleeve. The replaceable wear
sleeve can be removed and replaces as needed for addressing wear
and routine maintenance.
[0044] In operation, the bearing assembly 12 is lowered into the
equipment housing central bore 32 of the equipment housing 14 with
the rams 18 in their respective disengaged position D. Through
rotation of the respective crank 24 in a first rotational
direction, each ram 18 is moved from its disengaged position D to
its engaged position E. In its engaged position E, the angled
barrel engagement face 38 of each ram 18 is engaged with the angled
ram engagement face 36 of the outer barrel 33. Through such
engagement of the angled barrel engagement face 38 of each ram 18
with the angled ram engagement face 36 of the outer barrel 33, the
outer face 42 of the outer barrel 33 is biased against the inside
face 40 of the equipment housing central bore 32. Rotation of the
cranks 24 in a second rotational direction causes the rams 18 to
move from their respective engaged position E to their respective
disengaged position D, thereby allows the bearing assembly 12 to be
removed from within the equipment housing central bore 32.
[0045] Various aspects of the ram-style retaining apparatus
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 can be altered without departing from the
underlying intent and functionality of a ram-style retaining
apparatus in accordance with the present invention. One example of
such alteration is for the hand-operated crank 24 can be replaced
with an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic motor arrangement for
allowing motor-driven rotation of the drive axle 26. Another
example of such alteration is for the hand-operated crank 24 to be
replaced with a non-manual device. One example of such alteration
is for the hand-operated crank 24, drive axle 26 and interlock
member 28 to be replaced with a linear motion arrangement such as a
hydraulic or pneumatic ram apparatus. Still another example of such
alteration is for a discrete locking arrangement to be provided for
securing a respective ram 18 in its engaged position to limit the
potential for unintentional movement of the ram 18 toward its
disengaged position. Yet another example of such alteration is for
the angled ram engagement face 36 and the angled barrel engagement
face 38 to be replaced with non-tapered faces (e.g., curved faces)
that provide the same biasing functionality when such faces are
brought into engagement with each other. And still a further
example of such alteration in the optional inclusion of a means
such as, for example, a pilot actuated valve circuit that prevents
movement of the rams 18 from the engaged position toward the
disengaged position (e.g., by preventing release and/or application
of pressure to a ram cylinder or pump).
[0046] As can be seen, a ram-style retaining apparatus in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention offers a
number of advantages over clamp-style retaining apparatuses for
retaining a bearing assembly within a housing of oil field
equipment. Examples of such advantages include, but are not limited
to, the apparatus offering ease of engagement and disengagement,
the apparatus being self-supported on the housing of the oil field
equipment, and the apparatus positively biasing the bearing
assembly into a seated position with respect to the housing and/or
mating seal(s).
[0047] FIGS. 4-12 show various aspects of a rotating control head
100 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention. The configuration and operability of the rotating
control head 100 is generally the same as the configuration and
operability of the rotating control head 1 shown in FIGS. 1-3.
Accordingly, the reader is directed to the disclosures relating to
refer to FIGS. 1-3 for details relating to the configuration and
operability of the rotating control head 100.
[0048] The rotating control head 100 is commonly referred to as a
low pressure rotating control head. As shown, the rotating control
head 100 includes a plurality of angularly spaced apart ram
assemblies 110 to retain a bearing assembly 112 in a fixed position
with respect to an equipment housing 114 (i.e., commonly referred
to in the art as a bowl) that are substantially the same as that
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. The bearing assembly 112 is removably
mounted within a bore 115 of the equipment housing 114.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 4, a pressure gauge 116 can be mounted on
equipment housing 114 in a manner for allowing well pressure to be
monitored. It is disclosed herein that the pressure gauge 116 can
be an electronic gauge having a transducer with an output interface
for allowing remote electronic monitoring, recording, and/or
analysis of the well pressure.
[0050] As Referring now to FIGS. 4-8, a first lubricant
distribution manifold 120 and a second lubricant distribution
manifold 122 can be mounted on a cover plate 124 of the bearing
assembly 112. The lubricant distribution manifolds 120, 122 are
engaged with a top portion of an outer barrel 126 of the bearing
assembly 112. The first lubricant distribution manifold 120 is
angularly spaced apart from the second lubricant distribution
manifold 122 (e.g., by 180-degrees). The first lubricant
distribution manifold 120 includes a first seal lubricant coupler
120a, a first seal lubricant passage 120b, a first bearing
lubricant coupler 120c and a first bearing lubricant passage 120d.
The second lubricant distribution manifold 122 includes a second
seal lubricant coupler 122a, a second seal lubricant passage 122b,
a second bearing lubricant coupler 122c and a second bearing
lubricant passage 122d. The first seal lubricant coupler 120a is
communicative with the first seal lubricant passage 120b for
allowing the flow of seal lubricant therebetween and the first
bearing lubricant coupler 120c is communicative with the first
bearing lubricant passage 120d for allowing flow of bearing
lubricant therebetween. The second seal lubricant coupler 122a is
communicative with the second seal lubricant passage 122b for
allowing the flow of seal lubricant therebetween and the second
bearing lubricant coupler 122c is communicative with the second
bearing lubricant passage 122d for allowing flow of bearing
lubricant therebetween. Preferably, but not necessarily, the
lubricant couplers 120a, 122a, 120c and 122c are quick
disconnecting type couplers, the seal lubricant couplers 120a, 120c
are a first configuration (e.g., size) and the bearing lubricant
couplers 122a, 122c are a second configuration different than the
first configuration.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 7, the first seal lubricant passage 120b of
the first lubricant distribution manifold 120 is communicative with
a first seal lubricant channel 128 within the outer barrel 126 and
the second seal lubricant passage 122b of the second lubricant
distribution manifold 122 is communicative with a first seal
lubricant channel 130 within the outer barrel 126. Similarly, as
shown in FIG. 8, the first bearing lubricant passage 120d of the
first lubricant distribution manifold 120 is communicative with a
first bearing lubricant channel 132 within the outer barrel 126 and
the second bearing lubricant passage 122d of the second lubricant
distribution manifold 122 is communicative with a second bearing
lubricant channel 134 within the outer barrel 126.
[0052] The first seal lubricant channel 128 and the first bearing
lubricant channel 132 extend from an upper end portion 136 of the
outer barrel 126 to a lower end portion 138 of the outer barrel 126
through a key portion 140 of the outer barrel 126 (FIG. 6). The key
portion 140 is a raised body that intersects a circumferential ram
receiving recess 133 of the outer barrel 126. Through contact with
a ram of a ram assembly, the key portion 140 provides for
anti-rotation of the outer barrel 126 when mounted within the
equipment housing 114 in addition to lubricant flow being routed
therethrough.
[0053] Lubricant provided to the first seal lubricant channel 128
via the first lubricant manifold 120 serves to lubricate one or
more lower seals 142 of the bearing assembly 112 and lubricant
provided to the second seal lubricant channel 132 via the second
lubricant manifold 122 serves to lubricate one or more upper seals
144 of the bearing assembly 112. The seals 142, 144 reside within
respective seal pockets 143, 147 and seal directly against a mating
and unitary seal surface within an outer face 137 of an inner
barrel 148 of the bearing assembly 112, which is in contrast to the
prior art approach of the seals engaging replaceable wear sleeves
attached to the inner barrel 148. Direct contact of the seal with
the inner barrel 148 enhances sealing and heat transfer.
Advantageously, the seals 142, 144 can be vertically adjustable for
allowing a seal interface between the inner barrel 148 and the
seals 142, 144 outer barrel 126 top be adjusted to account for wear
on inner barrel seal surface. To ensure adequate delivery of
lubricant, vertically spaced apart oil delivery ports 151 can be
exposed within the seal pockets 143, 147 and/or spacers 153 with
radially-extending fluid communicating passages can be provided
within the apart by spacers can be provided within the seal pockets
143, 147 (e.g., between adjacent seals). The inner barrel 148 of
the bearing assembly 112 is configured for having a stripper rubber
149 assembly attached to an end portion thereof.
[0054] Lubricant provided to the first bearing lubricant channel
132 via the first lubricant manifold 120 serves to lubricate a
plurality of bearing units 146 rotatably disposed between the inner
barrel 148 of the bearing assembly 112 and the outer barrel 126.
The bearing units 146 provide for rotation of the inner barrel 148
relative to the outer barrel 126. Due to the first bearing
lubricant channel 132 extending to the bottom portion of the outer
barrel 126, lubricant is first provided to bearing units 146
closest to the lower end portion 138 of the outer barrel 126 and
lastly to the bearing units 146 closest to the upper end portion
136 of the outer barrel 126. In this manner, the bearing units 146
exposed to a greater amount of heat from the well (i.e., the lower
bearing units) are first to receive lubricant from a lubricant
supply, thereby aiding in extraction of heat from such bearing
units. The second bearing lubricant coupler 122c and the second
bearing lubricant passage 122d serve to allow bearing lubricant to
be circulated back to the lubricant supply (e.g., for cooling
and/or filtration). Thus, a bearing lubricant circuit extends
through the first lubricant distribution manifold 120, through the
first bearing lubricant channel 130, through the bearing units 146
via a space between the inner barrel 148 and outer barrels 126,
through the second bearing lubricant channel 134, and through the
second lubricant distribution manifold 122.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 5-8, various advantageous, desirable and
useful aspects of the bearing assembly 112 are shown. As shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6, seals 150 (e.g., O-ring seals) are provided within
seal grooves 152 of the outer barrel 126 for providing a sealing
interface between mating portions of the outer barrel 126 and the
equipment housing 114. As shown in FIG. 5, cooling ribs 154 are
provided on an interior face 156 of the inner barrel 148.
Preferably, but not necessarily, groups of the cooling ribs 154 are
in-line with respective bearing and seal interfaces at an exterior
face 158 of the inner barrel 148, thereby enhancing cooling at such
interfaces. As shown in FIGS. 5, 7 and 8, a washer-type spring 160
(e.g., a Bellville spring) is engaged between the vertically spaced
apart bearings 146 for actively maintaining preloading of such
bearings. As best shown in FIGS. 5-8, an exterior face 162 of the
outer barrel 126 is tapered (e.g., a 2-4 degree draft). The tapered
exterior face 162 engages a mating tapered face 164 (FIG. 5) of the
equipment housing 114, thereby providing a self-alignment and tight
interface fit between the outer barrel 126 and the equipment
housing 114.
[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 6, 8, 9, and 10, bearing assembly 112
includes a spring-loaded seal unit 166 disposed between a cover
plate 168 and a top drive 169. The cover plate 168 is fixedly
attached to the outer barrel 126 and the top drive 169 is fixedly
attached to the inner barrel 148. In one embodiment, as shown, the
spring-loaded seal unit 166 is mounted within a circumferential
channel 167 (i.e., a groove) of the top drive 169 and is fixedly
attached of the top drive 169 with a plurality of threaded
fasteners 170. As best shown in FIG. 9, the spring-loaded seal unit
166 includes a seal body 171 having a sealing lip 172 that engages
a seal interface surface 174 of the cover plate 168. As shown, the
seal interface surface 174 is a surface of a hardened seal body
that is an integral component of the cover plate 168.
Alternatively, the seal interface surface 174 can be a non-hardened
surface of the cover plate 168 or a surface of a hardened insert
within the cover plate 168. Preferably, but not necessarily, the
top drive 169 includes a seal shroud 177 that serves to protect the
sealing lip 172.
[0057] As best shown in FIG. 9, an inner sealing member 176 (e.g.,
an O-ring) is engaged between an inner face 178 of the
spring-loaded seal unit 166 and the top drive 169. An outer sealing
member 180 (e.g., an O-ring) is engaged between an outer face 182
of the spring-loaded seal unit 166 and the top drive 169. In this
manner, a fluid-resistant seal and/or contaminant-resistant seal is
provided between the spring-loaded seal unit 166 and the cover
plate 168 as well as between the spring-loaded seal unit 166 and
the top drive 169.
[0058] As best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the seal body 171 is
mounted on the top drive 169 through a plurality of compression
springs 184. Each one of the springs 184 has one of the threaded
fasteners 170 extending therethrough. In this manner, the top drive
169 is one example of a seal carrying structure. It is disclosed
herein that the a spring-loaded seal unit 166 can be carried by any
number of different types and configurations of well drilling head
components that suitably serve as a seal carrying structure. An
ancillary structural component that is in combination with the top
dive, inner barrel or the like is another example of a seal
carrying structure.
[0059] In operation, the springs 184 exert a preload force on the
seal body 171. when the sealing lip 172 of the seal body 171 is
brought into contact with the cover plate 168. In one embodiment,
the seal body 171 is made from a material whereby the entire seal
body 171 offers limited resilient (i.e., flexibility) such that
sealing is provided via the seal body floating on the springs 184
as opposed to the sealing lip 172 deflecting under force associated
with the preload force exerted by the springs 184. Accordingly, a
stiffness characteristic of the seal body 171 is such that
application of force on the sealing lip 72 results in negligible
deformation of the sealing lip and displacement of the entire seal
body 171 with respect to the channel 167.
[0060] As shown in FIGS. 6-8, it is disclosed herein that an inner
barrel in accordance with the present invention may include one or
more ancillary discrete components engaged with an outer barrel
body. Examples of such ancillary discrete components include, but
are not limited to, cover plates (e.g., cover plate 168), spacers
(e.g., spacer 173) and the like.
[0061] FIG. 11 is a flow chart view that shows a rotating control
head system 200 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention. The rotating control head system 200 includes rotating
control head 205 with integrated forced-flow seal lubrication
apparatus 210 and integrated forced-flow bearing lubrication
apparatus 215. The forced-flow seal lubrication apparatus 210
facilitates delivery of seal lubricant to various seals of a
bearing assembly 220 of the rotating control head 205. The
forced-flow bearing lubrication apparatus 215 facilitates
circulation of bearing lubricant through various bearings of the
bearing assembly 220 of the rotating control head 205 and cooling
of the circulated bearing lubricant.
[0062] The forced-flow seal lubrication apparatus 210 includes a
seal lubricant pump 212, a seal lubricant reservoir 213, and seal
lubrication components 214. The seal lubricant pump 212 extracts
lubricant from the seal lubricant reservoir 213, and provides such
extracted lubricant to one or more seals of the bearing assembly
220 through the seal lubrication components 214. In one embodiment,
the rotating control head 205 is embodied by the rotating control
head 100 shown in FIG. 4. In such an embodiment, the seal
lubrication components 214 are comprised by various components of
the rotating control head 100, which include the first seal
lubricant coupler 120a, the second seal lubricant coupler 122a, the
first seal lubricant passage 120b, the second seal lubricant
passage 122b, the first seal lubricant channel 128 and the second
seal lubricant channel 130. Accordingly, in such an embodiment,
seal lubricant is routed to the respective seals through the
respective seal lubricant coupler (120a, 122a), through the
respective seal lubricant passage (120b, 122b), and to one or more
seals through the respective seal lubricant channel (128, 130).
[0063] The forced-flow bearing lubrication apparatus 215 includes a
bearing lubricant pump 225, a lubricant reservoir 226, bearing
lubricant components 230, a bearing lubricant heat exchanger 235, a
coolant pump 240, and a coolant radiator 245. A bearing lubrication
flow circuit is defined by bearing lubricant flowing from lubricant
reservoir 226 via the bearing lubricant pump 225, which resides
within the lubricant reservoir 226, through the bearing lubricant
components 230, through a lubricate core portion 227 of the bearing
lubricant heat exchanger 235, and back into the bearing lubricant
reservoir 226. A coolant flow circuit is defined by coolant flowing
from the coolant pump 240, through a coolant core portion 229 of
the bearing lubricant heat exchanger 235 to the coolant radiator
245. The lubricate core and coolant core portions (227, 229) of the
bearing lubricant heat exchanger 235 allow for the independent flow
of lubricant and coolant and for heat from the coolant to be
transferred to the coolant. Accordingly, the bearing lubricant heat
exchanger 235 is preferably, but not necessarily, a
liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger. The coolant radiator 245 is
preferably, but not necessarily, of the liquid-to-air type.
[0064] The bearing lubricant pump 225 provides bearing lubricant to
the bearing lubricant components-230, with such bearing lubricant
being routed back to the lubricant pump 225 through the lubricate
core portion 227 of the bearing lubricant heat exchanger 235. The
coolant pump 240 provides coolant to the coolant radiator 245
through the coolant core portion 229. In one embodiment, the
rotating control head 205 is embodied by the rotating control head
100 shown in FIG. 4. In such an embodiment, the bearing lubrication
components 230 are comprised by various components of the rotating
control head 100, which include the first bearing lubricant coupler
120c, the second bearing lubricant coupler 122c, the first bearing
lubricant passage 120d, the second bearing lubricant passage 122d,
the first bearing lubricant channel 132 and the second bearing
lubricant channel 134. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, bearing
lubricant is routed to the respective bearings through the
respective bearing lubricant coupler (120c, 122c), through the
respective bearing lubricant passage (120d, 122d), and to one or
more bearings through the respective bearing lubricant channel
(132, 134).
[0065] It is disclosed herein that the seal lubricant 212, the seal
lubricant reservoir 213, the bearing lubricant pump 225, the
coolant pump 240 and the coolant reservoir 245 can be mounted on
the equipment body 114 of the rotating control head 100. In such an
embodiment, elongated hoses or pipes extend between the bearing
lubricant heat exchanger 235 and the coolant radiator 245.
Alternatively, the coolant pump 240, lubricant pump 225 and/or the
heat exchanger 235 can be remotely located from the rotating
control head 100.
[0066] Turning now to a brief discussion on high pressure rotating
control heads in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention, such a high pressure rotating control head 300 is shown
in FIGS. 12 and 13. The high pressure rotating control head 300
comprises an upper stripper rubber apparatus 302 mounted on the low
pressure rotating control head 100 of FIGS. 4-12 in a manner
whereby the upper stripper rubber apparatus 302 is mounted in place
of the top drive 169. A canister body 304 of the upper stripper
rubber apparatus 302 carries the spring-loaded seal unit 166. The
spring-loaded seal unit 166 is engaged between the canister body
304 and the cover plate 168 in the same manner is it is between the
top drive 169 and cover plate 168 in the low pressure rotating
control head 100. The canister body 304 is attached to the outer
barrel 126 in a manner whereby rotation of the canister body 304
with respect to the outer barrel 126 is substantially precluded and
whereby vertical displacement during use is substantially
precluded.
[0067] A top driver cover 306 (i.e., also referred to herein as a
canister body lid) of the upper stripper rubber apparatus 302 is
configured for having a stripper rubber assembly 307 operably and
fixedly attached thereto. In this manner, the high pressure
rotating control head 300 is configured for having spaced apart
stripper rubber assemblies (i.e., stripper rubber assemblies 145,
307) attached thereto. A first one of such spaced apart stripper
rubber assemblies (i.e., stripper rubber assembly 145) is fixedly
attached to an end portion of the inner barrel 148 and a second one
of such spaced apart stripper rubber assemblies (i.e., stripper
rubber assembly 307) is fixedly attached to the top driver cover
306.
[0068] The top driver cover 306 can be engaged with the canister
body 304 through any number of different types of interconnection
approaches. Mechanical fasteners such as screws, pins and the like
are an example of such possible interconnection approaches. The
objective of such interconnection is to secure the top driver cover
306 and canister body 304 to each other in a manner than precludes
relative rotation and vertical separation therebetween.
[0069] A bayonet style interconnection is a preferred embodiment
for interconnecting a top driver cover and a canister body. FIGS.
14-16 show an embodiment of the upper stripper rubber apparatus 350
including a canister body 354, a canister body lid 356 (i.e., top
driver cover) and a kelly driver 357. The upper stripper rubber
apparatus 350 includes a bayonet style interconnection between the
canister body lid 356 and the canister body 354. The upper stripper
rubber apparatus 350 shown in FIGS. 14-16 and the upper stripper
rubber apparatus 302 shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 are interchangeable
with respect to a given high pressure rotating control head.
[0070] Still referring to FIGS. 14-16, the canister body lid 356
includes one or more bayonet interconnect structures 358 and the
canister body 354 includes one or more mating bayonet style
interconnect structures 360. Each bayonet connector structure 358,
360 includes an engagement groove 362 having a closed end portion
364 and an open end portion 366. An elongated edge portion 368 of
the engagement groove 362 is defined by an elongated raised rib
member 370 extending at least partially along the engagement groove
362. A space 372 at least as long as one of the canister body lid
bayonet connector structures 358 is provided between adjacent ones
of the canister body bayonet connector structures 360 and a space
372 at least as long as one of the canister body bayonet connector
structures 360 is provided between adjacent ones of the canister
body lid bayonet connector structures 358. Preferably, but not
necessarily, all of the canister body lid bayonet connector
structures 358 are substantially the same length and all of the
canister body bayonet connector structures 360 are substantially
the same length.
[0071] Accordingly, the engagement groove 362 of each canister body
bayonet connector structure 360 and the rib member 370 of each
canister body lid bayonet connector structure 358 are jointly
configured for allowing the rib member 370 of each canister body
lid bayonet connector structure 358 to be slideably received within
the engagement groove 362 of a respective one of the canister body
bayonet connector structures 360 through relative rotation between
the canister body 354 and the canister body lid 356 when the
canister body 354 and the canister body lid 356 are in a mated
orientation such that the rib member 370 of each canister body lid
bayonet connector structure 358 is aligned with the engagement
groove 362 of the respective one of the canister body bayonet
connector structures 360. Similarly, the engagement groove 362 of
each one of the canister body lid bayonet connector structures 358
and the rib member 370 of each one of the canister body bayonet
connector structures 360 are jointly configured for allowing the
rib member 370 of each canister body bayonet connector structures
360 to be slideably received within the engagement groove 362 of a
respective one of the canister body lid bayonet connector
structures 358 through relative rotation between the canister body
354 and the canister body lid 356 when the canister body 354 and
the canister body lid 356 are in the mated orientation.
[0072] The bayonet interconnect structures are engage by vertically
lowering the top driver cover 306 into place on the canister body
304 with the rib members 370 and spaces 372 aligned accordingly,
and then rotating the top driver cover 306 a fraction of a turn
with respect to the canister body 304 for securing the top driver
cover 306 to the canister body 304. Preferably, the direction of
locking rotation of the top driver cover 306 with respect to the
canister body 304 is the same direction as the kelly rotational
direction, thereby ensuring that the top driver cover 306 remains
in an interconnected orientation with respect to the canister body
304 during operation of the rotating control head and key driver.
Optionally, one or more locking devices can be engaged between the
canister body 356 and the canister body lid 356 for maintaining the
canister body 354 and the canister body lid 356 in an interlocked
configuration.
[0073] Turning now to data acquisition, it is disclosed herein that
respective portions of a data acquisition apparatus can be
integrated into a rotating control head in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. Such data acquisition is
valuable in assessing operation of the rotating control head. More
specifically, such a data acquisition apparatus facilitates
monitoring, capturing, analysing and/or transmitting of data
relating to rotating head operation. Examples of rotating head
operation include, but are not limited to, well pressure, time in
use, max pressure seen, number of drill string pipes installed,
amount of downtime for a given reference time, number of bearing
assembly rotations, number of critical conditions experienced, and
the like. Acquired data is preferably sent from the data
acquisition apparatus to a data management system (e.g., a computer
having network access) via a wireless manner.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 17, in one embodiment, a data acquisition
apparatus 400 in accordance with the present invention includes
sensor devices 405, (e.g., transducers, probes, thermal couples,
etc), a transmitter 410, a receiver 415, and a data acquisition
system 420. The data acquisition apparatus 400 is coupled to a
rotating control head (e.g., the rotating control head 100
disclosed herein) through the sensor devices 405. Operational
information of the rotating control head is gathered by the sensor
devices 405 and is transmitted to the data acquisition system 420
via the transmitter 410 and the receiver 415. The transmitter 410
and the receiver 415 can be any type of units suitably configured
for transmitting signal over wire, wirelessly, over a computer
network, via satellites, etc. The data acquisition system 420 is
configured for storing, monitoring and/or analyzing information
received from the sensor devices 405. Thus, such information can be
stored, monitored and/or analyzed at a remote location from the
rotating control head.
[0075] Turning now to a discussion of related equipment used with
rotating control heads in accordance with the present invention, a
kelly driver is oil field equipment that facilitates applying a
rotational torque to a segment of drill string pipe. FIG. 18 shows
and embodiment of a kelly driver 500 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. The kelly driver 500 includes
hinged split bushings 505, a top ring 510, and connection pins 515.
The split bushings 505 each include spaced apart hinge members 520.
The spaced apart hinge members 520 are configured for and
orientated for being aligned and interlocked with connection pins
512. In this manner, the hinge members 520 can be readily and
rapidly engaged with and removed from the associated drill string
pipe.
[0076] In the preceding detailed description, reference has been
made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in
which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in
which the present invention may be practiced. These embodiments,
and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient
detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice embodiments
of the present invention. It is to be understood that other
suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical,
chemical and electrical changes may be made without departing from
the spirit or scope of such inventive disclosures. To avoid
unnecessary detail, the description omits certain information known
to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is,
therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set
forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such
alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *